West Wales is a place with history and beauty at every turn. Whether you’re a fan of holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire overlooking the sea or quaint cottages set in rolling countryside, you’re never too far from a fascinating story.
Some of West Wales’ most interesting tales can be found in its gorgeous National Trust properties. From powerful princes to rich merchants, discover the remnants of the people who shaped Wales.
Llanerchaeron
Location: Ciliau Aeron, Ceredigion, SA48 8DG
Llanerchaeron is the quintessential Georgian villa, an elegant snapshot of what life was like over 200 years ago, created by one of Britain’s most important architects.
Originally little more than a garden and a farmhouse in the 1600s, advantageous marriages led to the accumulation of wealth and land until its owners, the Lewis/Lewes family, were able to employ a London architect to build them an elegant home. That architect was John Nash, who would go on to design Buckingham Palace.
Llanerchaeron has remained almost unchanged since its original construction, and within its walls is a fascinating story of life throughout the centuries. Whether you’re a fan of Georgian architecture or love the Welsh countryside, there’s plenty to enjoy with a walled garden, farmyard lake and wild parkland to explore.
Dinefwr
Location: Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6RT
Dinefwr is perhaps the picture-perfect fantasy of life in ancient Wales, with a castle-like house surrounded by magical, flower-filled meadows and ancient woodlands with wild deer.
Dinefwr Park is a nature reserve spanning 800 acres, of which the current house is only part of the story. The land can be traced back to Lord Rhys, an ancient Welsh prince who ruled the region from Dinefwr Castle, the remains of which can still be seen today. The park was then passed through descendants who all left their mark, mainly finding new ways to highlight the beautiful natural landscape.
The main building on the site is Newton House, built in 1660 but given a gothic facade in the 1850s, which now gives it a particularly striking appearance in the heart of this ancient woodland. With a medieval Deer Park also on the grounds, Dinefwr is a place that can leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fantasy novel.
Tudor Merchant’s House
Location: Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7BX
Tenby’s Tudor Merchant’s House is arguably one of the town’s most popular landmarks, a wonderful time capsule carefully maintained in the heart of the much-loved town.
Nowadays, Tenby is a relaxing tourist destination. Hundreds of years ago, however, it was a bustling and crucially important trading port, connecting the British Isles with the rest of the world. The Merchant’s House, built in the late 15th century, belonged to a merchant who had made his riches in this trade.
The building is tall and narrow, not dissimilar to the modern homes that make up Tenby’s iconic photos. Inside, it has been lovingly designed to replicate what it would have been like in the 1500s, with a merchant’s shop and working kitchen, as well as plenty of Tudor furniture. It’s a wonderful small escape to add to any adventures through Tenby.
Cilgerran Castle
Location: Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, SA43 2SF
Wales is full of amazing castles, and if you’re visiting Pembrokeshire, Cilgerran is a beautiful landmark as well as a great piece of Welsh history.
While the existing ruins date back to the 13th century, castles had likely stood there since the 12th century. Looming high above the gorge of the River Teifi, the castle was fought over and changed hands between the Welsh and the Normans multiple times, including at one point potentially being home of the legendary ‘Helen of Wales’, Princess Nest.
Nowadays, the ruins of Cilgerran Castle are free to access on the outskirts of the town, a great little stop off while exploring Cardigan and the surrounding area.
Dolaucothi
Location: Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8US
Wales has a proud mining tradition which can be seen across the country, but Dolaucothi is unique as the only known Roman gold mine in Britain.
Mining for gold took place on this site up until the 1930s and stretched back over 2,000 years. The Roman mine still exists today and is a wonderful thing to explore on a guided tour, alongside various pieces of mining technology used here throughout the ages.
There’s also gold panning, which is great fun for families, as well as the 2,500-acre estate on which it sits, filled with woodland and riverside walks.
These are some of the most popular National Trust properties in West Wales, but the fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re looking for more beautiful places to visit, check out our favourite historic houses you should visit. Complete your ultimate West Wales holiday with a stay in one of our traditional Welsh cottages.